Encyclia gravida

Also known as: Epidendrum oncidioides var. gravidum Encyclia oncidioides var. gravida Encyclia monticola Encyclia sintenisii Epidendrum monticola Epidendrum gravidum Epidendrum sintenisii in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Departamento de Boaco - Nicaragua Departamento de Matagalpa - Nicaragua Oaxaca - Mexico Panama Veracruz - Mexico

General Information

Encyclia gravida is a sympodial warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Nicaragua, Mexico and Panama.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 0.9-28cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 1.5-4cm

Flowers

Numerous self pollinating blossoms appear

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 170mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 55% to 75%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 9C to 32C, highest in April (16C to 32C) and lowest in January (9C to 26C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.